BERTHA ZERKLE

Born on November 20, 1934, in Weirton, WV, Bertha was the eighth of nine children born to Mike and Mildred Wouliitich Veselica. She was raised on the Veselica Family Farm, which is now the property of Weirton Madonna and Saint Joseph the Worker School and Church.

Bertha graduated from Weir High School and married the love of her life, Jimmy Zerkle, on June 11, 1955. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Diana Lynn in August 1956 and Tammie Lynn in August 1964. Jim worked as a diesel mechanic for Weirton Steel, while Bertha dedicated herself to caring for her family while creating a warm and spotless home that always had something cooking or baking in her basement kitchen.

Beyond her home that was decorated for every season, Bertha took great pride in her work, cleaning the First United Methodist Church for 28 years, followed by cleaning the offices of Dr. Charles P. Capito and Assure America. Her dedication and attention to detail were second to none.

Bertha’s greatest love was her family. She was a devoted caregiver, not only to her daughters but to all the children she watched in her home. She became a grandmother to many, including Ryan Weld, Eric Filberto, Donnie and Ricky Meredith, Katie and Tony Marino, Elle and Eliza Greco, Cameron, Chase and Isabella Capito, Landon Magnone, and Kelly and Stacy Galloway. These children were not only loved but fed her delicious chicken noodle soup, macaroni salad, spaghetti, ho- ho cake, lady locks, and nut roll.

She opened her home to family and friends for the Christmas Holiday and the Fourth of July every year. No one left hungry or without a to-go container.

An active member of the First United Methodist Church, Bertha served on the church board, numerous committees, vacation Bible School, and luncheons before transferring her membership to Christ United Methodist Church. In her free time, she enjoyed cheering on the Penguins, Steelers and Pirates.

In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana Lynn Zerkle, on January 24, 2007; her husband, Jim, on December 11, 2019; and her siblings, Mike Veselica Jr., Mildred Drazik, Mary Miller, George Veselica, Sarah Chloumoudis, and Rodney Veselica.

She will be remembered with love and admiration by her daughter, Tammie Lynn (Mark) Zilich; her brother, John (Mary Ann) Veselica; her sister, Helen Marino; and many nieces and nephews, including Bob (Deb) Marino and Mark (Miki) Marino.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main St., Weirton, WV, where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Pastor Larry Barkley will preside. Eulogies will be delivered by her nephew Mark Marino and WV State Senator Ryan Weld.

Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

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